This is the WFHB Local News for April 19th, 2021.

Later in the program, we have the latest edition of A Few Minutes with the Mayor - a weekly segment where Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton answers listener-posed questions on community issues. More coming up in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, a mass shooting in Indianapolis left 8 dead and several wounded. More coming up in today’s headlines.

But first, your local news brief:

Photo courtesy of University of Michigan.

Covid-19 numbers continue to trend upwards in Indiana and across the U.S. Indiana is averaging over 1,300  confirmed cases of Covid-19 per day. The actual number of new cases is likely much higher than that, but most cases go unconfirmed. The statistics are according to the Indiana State Department of Health.

The rise in cases represents a 40 percent increase from the beginning of last month. Over 900 hundred Indiana residents are currently hospitalized with complications

While Covid-19 related deaths are relatively low right now, in the single digits, past trends suggest that in a couple weeks or so, deaths could rise to 20 to 25 per day.

The current rise in case is now undoubtedly a fourth wave. This fourth wave is already more widespread than both the first and the second wave. The fourth wave appears to be fueled by new more contagious and more deadly strains.

While the State of Indiana has lifted its Covid-19 safety precautions, Monroe County recently announced that it will impose a public mask mandate, limitations on bars and restaurants, and limits on gathering sizes until at least May 28th.

Over 1.5 million Hoosiers have been fully vaccinated so far, another 2 million have received the first dose of either Moderna or Pfizer.

About half of Indiana’s population has received at least one dose of a Covid-19 Vaccine. About 1,800 Monroe County residents are getting vaccinated everyday on average.

About one-fifth of the county has received at least one dose. Over 30 Monroe County residents are testing positive for Covid-19, on average at this point.

COVID-19 Press Conference

Director of Public Engagement Mary Catherine Carmichael reported one new COVID-19 case among city workers at the April 16th Coronavirus Press Conference. Monroe County Health Administrator Penny Caudill talked about the temporary freeze on administering the one-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine. She explained the freeze had a small effect on Bloomington's vaccine rollout, because the city mainly gives the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.

Reporter Dave Askins wondered what feedback the county is receiving from the group contracted to help enforce the mask mandate. Caudill clarified that there are no mask police in Monroe County. Carmichael added that wearing a mask is a personal responsibility.

Caudill encouraged Hoosiers to continue to wear masks, wash hands, and socially distance.

Bloomington City Council Committee of the Whole 

The Bloomington City Council Committee of the Whole discussed 8 of 10 zoning ordinances recommended by the Plan Commission last week. Development Manager Jackie Scanlan presented an ordinance that would change what projects would be brought before the Plan commission. She said raising the minimum unit threshold from 30 to 50 helps bring more by-right projects in front of the public.

Councilmember Steve Volan pointed out that the Plan Commission cannot deny by-right projects. Councilmember Dave Rollo suggested that a public hearing could encourage builders to make changes.

The Commission of the Whole made Do Pass recommendations on all 8 ordinances. The City Council will continue discussion on the ordinances at their April 21st session.

Bloomington Commission on Sustainability